Why You Need to Visit the New Mexico History Museum

Santa Fe is home to some very rich history and a variety of cultural traditions. When you visit, you will discover the influences of all these cultures and how they have shaped the town into what it is today. If you’re looking for some historical sites to visit during your vacation, there are many! But one great place to discover the past melding of cultures and understand its effect on modern-day Santa Fe is the New Mexico History Museum.

From the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture to the Museum of International Folk Art, you will find a variety of artistic and historical treasures. Discover unique masterpieces at the New Mexico Museum of Art and tokens from the past at the New Mexico History Museum. For more wonderful historic sites to visit, download our free vacation guide!

Come Explore Santa Fe History!

One place we recommend visiting during your stay at El Farolito is the New Mexico History Museum. Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, this national historic landmark reflects on the vast history of the state. Representing the diverse cultures that have shaped the heritage of the Southwest, the New Mexico History Museum offers fascinating collections, exhibits, and programs.

Collections & Exhibitions at the New Mexico History Museum

While there are several collections on display for guests to view and learn about, there are several more in storage at the museum. In fact, there is over 8,300 square feet of storage for some of these artifact collections. Funded by a variety of grants, the museum is able to properly collect and preserve these valuable testaments to the area’s history. On display, however, you will discover a variety of exhibitions. Included among exhibitions are collections for the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Segesser Hides, Shifting Boundaries, and Threads of Memory.

The Museum Campus

Discover the abundance of NM history when you visit one of the main buildings that comprise the New Mexico History Museum. Included in the museum campus are the main New Mexico History Museum, Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, NM, Portal Native American Artisans Program, Palace Press, Fray Angelico Chavez History Library, and Photo Archives. The anchor of the campus is, of course, the New Mexico History Museum. This building features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. These span the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the Santa Fe Trail.

The Palace of the Governors

The Palace of the Governors is an adobe structure with long galleries, 17th-century rooms, and nearly 400 years of New Mexico history. Outside, several New Mexico Native American artists display and sell their arts and crafts. Known as the Portal, this is the best place to find authentic goods. Then, situated in rooms adjoining the courtyard, you will discover the Palace Press. This is New Mexico’s first printing press, which arrived at the Palace via the Santa Fe Trail in 1834.

Discover More of the Local Culture at El Farolito

Though we are no museum, our Santa Fe bed and breakfast does feature some beautiful traditional and contemporary local art among our guest rooms. Discover Native American art, including a locally-crafted king bed, in our Galisteo Room. The Acequia Madre Room is a stand-alone adobe casita with traditional plastered walls, a viga ceiling, and peaceful landscape paintings. Our San Pasqual Room decor includes a colorful south-of-the-border style, with Mexican furniture, pottery, and art along with beamed ceilings and a saltillo tile floor. We hope you enjoy the Southwestern artwork and decor during your stay with us at El Farolito!